RACINE — Community members are launching a new nonprofit organization in Racine with a mission to improve water safety and make swimming knowledge more accessible.

SWIM Racine, which stands for Safe Water in Mind, was formed following the deaths of 15-year-old Shaylani Williams and 12-year-old Marquee Haynes Jr. in August.

Williams drifted away from shore at Carre Hogle Park, while Haynes drowned near the Pershing Park boat launch days later.

"The strongest swimmers can run into problems with some of the way the currents work out here," said Paul Woodward, SWIM Racine chair.

The organization is taking a three-pillar approach focused on education, infrastructure, and community outreach and events.

SWIM Racine aims to make swimming lessons more accessible by removing cost as a barrier a

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